Freeform Greenlights Violent Mermaid Drama Pilot The Deep

Mermaids are coming to Freeform — and not the kind that pal around with singing crabs.

The network on Monday officially announced a pick-up for The Deep, a drama pilot about the impending battle between mer-folk and surface dwellers. Production begins in Vancouver this September.

Set in the coastal town of Bristol Cove — known for once allegedly being home to mermaids — The Deep ignites a “battle between man and sea” as the “predatory beings return to reclaim their right to the ocean.”

“The Deep is a very different show than one would expect when they hear the word ‘mermaid,'” says Karey Burke, executive vice president of Programming and Development. “The mermaid tale has been reinvented in this pilot. The writing is thrilling, stories complex and scary, and we are excited to explore the themes of obsession and violence through these amazing creatures.”

Brad Luff, Nate Hopper and RD Robb will executive-produce, along with Eric Wald (story and teleplay) and Dean White (story), and director Scott Stewart. Emily Whitesell (Finding Carter) is on board as showrunner.